A StarNewsOnline Blog

Local sports issues and catching up from around the country

Another year, another NCAA tournament has arrived. We’ve always given you the color and the mascot for each school, but just how did that mascot come to be? And how did he (or she) get their name today? Well, onto the Google we went. Sixty-seven were all fine normal searches, one most certainly was not … you can read and see for yourself. We’ve got a couple photos of the creepy, weird or just interesting. Good luck picking your bracket,… Read More »

As the sun slung itself west on Saturday afternoon, Rickie Fowler rolled in a birdie putt on the 16th hole that gave him part of the lead in the third round of the Wells Fargo Championship. A hearty roar came from the fans across the pond and on the hillside adjacent to the 17th tee. And as Fowler strode away, three gentlemen returned to the topic of conversation that was interrupted by Fowler’s flat-stick wizardry: What color would you call… Read More »

During an unforgettable fall, the Carolina Panthers went on a roller-coaster ride, balancing thoughts of an unbeaten season with steps along the precipice while trying to give away a fourth-quarter lead seemingly every other week. It made for entertaining television, and plenty of discussion. Along the way, the team’s players and their fans said they weren’t respected, a statement that draws both nods of confirmation and eyerolls. After all, regular-season wins are gaudy and fun. The Panthers got 14 of… Read More »

About This Blog

Howdy. I’m sports editor Dan Spears, and I keep everything straightened up around here — with thoughts on pretty much anything to do with sports, both locally and nationally. I’ve been with the StarNews since August 2006, and sports editor since September 2008. I’m a big college basketball fan and have been to the first weekend of the NCAAs every year since 1997, either as a fan or a writer. I attempt to play golf, run marathons and play volleyball here in town at Capt’n Bill’s on Market Street. Enjoy reading, and let me know what you’re thinking … Dan